Whitehorse Brewing riding toward taproom opening on Racetrack Road

Whitehorse Brewing, based in Berlin, Somerset County, has staked out 1,200 square feet in the Street At The Meadows mixed-use development in North Strabane Township for a taproom for its microbrews.

George Walker, 46, who co-owns Whitehorse Brewery with his son, Miles, 28 of Canonsburg, who is the brewmaster, said last week he hopes to be able to open the 12-tap site – which will be located in space adjacent to Primanti’s – in the next six to eight weeks.

The 4-year-old craft brewer has been expanding distribution of its brews across Pennsylvania and into Western Maryland.

Walker said the company currently makes 14 different beers, ranging from pale ales and pilsners to a number of seasonal brews.

He said the North Strabane location, which will have 10 seats, will enable patrons to drink pints there or purchase a growler to take home.

While snacks will be available, Walker said people will be able to bring food from other venues to the taproom.

“I’m not running a kitchen,” he said, adding that while Whitehorse is selling its beer at distributors and bars across the state, the North Strabane site will be the only other taproom besides the one at the brewery in Berlin.

While Whitehorse hails from a small Somerset County town on the Allegheny Front, its trek across the mountains to Washington County has been preceded by fervent activity in the local microbrewery scene.

Since late last year, the county has seen the opening of Coal Tipple Brewing near Burgettstown and Rusty Gold in Canonsburg. Washington Brewing Co., is currently under construction at 28 E. Maiden St.